When should you say something?
It all begins with an idea.
Yesterday, I sat with a group of pastors as we shared how each of us had wrestled with whether to speak—or remain silent—about last week’s jarring events: the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the brutal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a train, and the shooting of two high school students in Colorado. The question hung in the air: How do we decide whether to say something—or not?
As pastors, we’re criticized for speaking up, for staying silent, and sometimes even for not speaking quickly enough. As I reflected on this tension, I thought it might be helpful to outline a set of criteria you can use when deciding whether or not to comment on a particular event or issue.
Here are 11 considerations that can guide you in moments like these:
Check your motives. Am I speaking out of fear, pressure, or the need for attention? Or am I compelled by conviction from God’s Word and the Spirit? Am I in the right place spiritually and emotionally to speak with wisdom, humility, and grace? Or am I just blowing off some steam? Will what I communicate be a model for how we want our congregation to love God and others? If not, how might you get there first?
Consider biblical clarity. Does Scripture address this issue directly, or is it more a matter of personal opinion, policy, or interpretation? Be honest about the difference.
Think about your people. What does your particular congregation need right now? You are shepherding real people, not social media followers. If the issue isn’t directly relevant to them, you’ll need a strong reason to address it.
Discern the church’s responsibility. Is this an area where the church has a unique calling (caring for the vulnerable, addressing sin, defending truth), or is it primarily in the realm of politics, economics, or personal freedom where Scripture allows for disagreement? If a brother or a sister in Christ could faithfully hold the opposite of the opinion you present, you might reconsider your approach.
Don’t decide alone. Run these questions through with your elders or leadership team. Processing together with wise people—especially those who see differently than you—leads to better discernment and better decisions.
Remember that silence is still a decision. You won’t get it right every time, but that doesn’t mean you should never speak. Sometimes it’s worth the risk, especially if your congregation already trusts you.
Weigh unity and witness. Will speaking help build biblical unity, or will it divide along cultural or political lines? Will silence look like indifference? How might either response shape your church’s witness in the community?
Ask if you’re the right person. Maybe something needs to be said—but perhaps someone else in your leadership, with more credibility in this area, should be the one to speak.
Be sure of the facts. How well do I understand this situation, and am I willing to dig deeper? Headlines oversimplify. Media outlets often push a good-versus-bad narrative. We should resist being swept into that current without careful investigation.
Consider the body of Christ. Will my words marginalize brothers or sisters in Christ who see things differently? We often live in political or cultural bubbles that feel comfortable to us. Seek out perspectives from Christians who don’t share your lens before you speak.
Keep the gospel central. Will my words clarify the gospel or obscure it? Will they help people see Christ more clearly, or distract from Him? If your perspective sounds like it came straight from Fox News or CNBC, it may be worth asking whether you’ve truly wrestled with the gospel perspective, which is usually far more nuanced.
This doesn’t remove the weight of the decision. But it can help you navigate it with wisdom, humility, and a shepherd’s heart. Are these the type of conversations you’d like to have with a ministry coach? Let’s talk.